The genus vitis is subdivided into two categories; Euvitis and Muscadinia. Euvitis grapes are elongated clusters, harvested together at maturity, growing on loose barks, while Muscadinia grapes are small sized and thick-skinned growing in small clusters on simple tendrils, smooth bark with lenticels. They are usually harvested individually. Grapes grow in clusters of 20 to 300, and depending upon the cultivar can be seeded or seedless, and in colors of black, deep red, crimson, dark blue, yellow and green. The vines are woody and need support (trellis) to trail upwards. The leaves are a bright green, and even with no fruits on them can be an interesting addition to your landscape. Read more on life cycle of the grapevine.
Grape Planting Instructions
Planting and taking care of grapes requires patience and skill that has been acquired with practice. So give yourself time, and try to get it right, well, until you get them to grow well. Before you begin the actual process of planting, figure out why you are growing them; juice, jelly or jam, fresh or dried use, etc, once you decide upon this requisite, choose the grape variety. Grapes are propagated through seeds, cuttings, layering and grafting. Grape seed planting Involves hardening off the seeds at least a month before sowing them in good potting soil. Most experienced gardeners advice one to pick some good quality grapevines (or roots) from reputed nursery. Besides, grapevines, one also need a trellis system, and as the vine grows some wires and a wire cutter. Learn more about growing grapes from seed.
How to Plant Grapes
Your location matters, grapes need plenty of sunshine, so choose a spot where they will receive it constantly. Besides sunlight, grapes need soil that is well draining. Probably the reason why most famous vineyards are found on slopes. Vines planted in water logging areas set rot and diseases in the grapevine roots. Plant the grapevine as soon as you bring it, else dig a shallow hole and temporarily place your roots there. The roots should not be in a dried condition during its planting.
Dig a hole three inches wider and deeper than the root ball, and add in some prepared soil to it. The soil should have light compost, some sand, and good quality garden soil mixed in it. Fill soil around the root, cover it well. Build a berm around it, and fill it with water. If you are planting more than one grapevine, space them out 6 to 10 feet apart. Water it well during its first month to establish roots quickly.
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